Training Wheels for Nurses: What I Wish I Had Known My First 100 Days on the Job: Wisdom, Tips, and Warnings from Experienced Nurses

by Barbara Arnoldussen (Editor)

Nothing is more daunting than your first 100 days in a new profession -- unless you go in prepared. Who better to advise you on how to successfully make it through than hundreds of experienced nurses who have been successful themselves? Benefit From Their Wisdom: Never call a physician without all the facts -- vital signs, baselines, labs, meds, history, etc.! I now have all of my "ducks in a row" before calling the MD. Hospital staff nurse It really doesn't matter how well you can give a shot or do a dressing change. Usually, the best medicine is a good conversation. Orthopedic nurse Learn from Their Mistakes: Be ready to let go of the false belief that you must "know everything" right away in order to be a good nurse. The imposter syndrome, while rampant among new nurses, doesn't serve us well! Long-term Facility Geriatrics nurse Go to the bathroom when you need to! (Nurses are notorious for "holding it!") Surgical nurse And Remember That Humor Conquers All: There's nothing like eating popcorn from an unused bedpan. Emergency room nurse I get to have as many free band-aids as I want! Medical nurse

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2004